Tell us your favourite word...
Whether its گیا (Goya), مزاح (Mazah), Alley-oop, 분위기 (bun-wigi), Waldeinsamkeit or the classic Brummie Bab, there are brilliant and beautiful words out there that have special meaning to all of us and we want to celebrate them!
About Home Words
We're on a mission to collect Birmingham’s favourite and most cherished words and turn them into a multi-lingual poetry extravaganza to celebrate Birmingham's rich multilingual diversity.
We want to hear from you whatever the word, whether it's:
- a word from your home language
- a unique dialect, slang, or words you've picked up through your hobbies or interests
- a word specific to the local area
For example.’ Serve’: is one of the most important terms in the Drag Race vernacular; to serve is to use your look to offer up something amazing on the runway.
Used in a sentence: “Tonight on the runway I am serving librarian realness”.
In addition to the word, we want its definition but just as important we want to know why it’s so meaningful to you.
How to submit your word
It couldn't be simpler. Submit your word today using our special online form before the 1st March along with its definition and meaning to you.
For teachers, youth workers or anyone with groups of people that want to get involved see the submission form on this page. Once filled in please send photocopies or screen shots of the forms to birmingham@literacytrust.org.uk.
Home Words Celebration event this World Poetry Day!
Choose a word and have it heard!
Celebrate World Poetry Day with us on Friday 21 March at the Birmingham Rep where we'll be honouring the rich multilingual diversity of our incredible city through your words.
Special Guests:
- Ayan Aden - Birmingham Poet Laureate (2024-2026)
- Bohdan Piasecki - Awarded the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem
Before the event, Ayan and Bohdan will craft beautiful multilingual poems using your words. Experience the magic as they perform these unique pieces live on stage, creating an intimate and unforgettable evening.
Don't miss this chance to hear your words come to life!
Why is this important?
Writing enjoyment in 8 to 18-year-olds is at an all-time low with fewer than 3 in 10 children and young people saying they enjoyed writing in their free time. Our recent children and young people's writing research shows that low literacy levels can also make it harder for children to get the most out of life. It is more important than ever to create opportunities to reconnect young people with writing that promotes creativity, self-expression and mental wellbeing.
Check out our Home Words CPD training
To community leaders, teachers, and anyone working with groups of young people or adults in Birmingham! Watch back our English as an Additional Language (EAL) Literacy CPD training to deepen your understanding of multilingualism and how encouraging its use amongst all ages improves our language and literacy skills.